Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation - Bloomfield, Connecticut

Abir@ I.

This is an amazing place. We raised a puppy for a year and now he is in training. Felt very good, we miss him. Staff is excellent, extremely helpful and assists with the process. The vet-techs are so awesome, prompt and helpful.

John V.

A great organization to volunteer with by being a Puppy Raiser, a kennel worker or a pup house worker. Very rewarding working with dogs with a purpose.

Smoken M.

Before donating to Fidelco, ask LOTS of questions: how many dogs are placed with clients (successfully!) each year?; how many dogs are trained AS GUIDE DOGS each year (not including the dogs they provide for police K-9 units)?; how many dogs were whelped by Fidelco each year?; how many dogs were purchased outside of Fidelco and from whom were they purchased?... This organization does not typically publish these kinds of numbers - there is a reason for it. There is also a reason for the high staff turnover. Caution.

zsazsa F.

The dogs are wonderful, the trainers are great, but the administration is HORRIBLE! The food (which we had to buy from them at full list price) was rated as low quality by dogfoodadvisor. But the real problem was that the organization didn't seem to want to spend a penny on vet care for the dogs. In the months that I had the puppy, the puppies never had a vet checkup, despite the fact that we brought her there weekly. An experienced veterinarian friend, while visiting us, noticed a significant medical issue with the dog, which required prompt attention. Fidelco denied that it was an issue, and refused to do anything to treat it. This was a serious, progressive, and eventually very painful congenital condition running in their breeding line, but they refused to admit it. I spoke with three other veterinarians, including an office which had previously treated this specific congenital condition in Fidelco's dogs, who all confirmed that the dog needed expensive (over a thousand dollars) treatment, to spare her a lifetime of pain and disability, and if the treatment were delayed, the condition would require even more expensive treatment, with a potentially worse outcome. When I insisted on speaking with their vet, Fidelco demanded that I bring the dog back to them immediately, and kept it. I had nightmares for months about the poor dog suffering untreated.

Since then, I have spoken with a number of people who have had similar experiences. One woman had a Fidelco dog that she suspected had pancreatic insufficiency. Over and over, Fidelco refused to have the dog tested for this. She was smarter than me. She gave up on trying to get Fidelco to address the issue. She disobeyed her contract with Fidelco, and simply took him to a private vet, and paid over a thousand dollars out of pocket to have the condition diagnosed and confirmed. When she notified Fidelco that the dog did indeed have pancreatic insufficiency, they didn't offer to reimburse her for the testing, but they did tell her that she could keep the dog. I heard other similar stories.

So it's a wonderful experience to raise a puppy for them - until there's a health issue. Then it's an absolute, frustrating, heartbreaking nightmare. Shame on you, Fidelco.

Chris H.

I don't know much about this organization other than they do great work with guide dogs to benefit those in need of these wonderful animals.

Mandy M.

First time going to their open house. WOW, I was very impressed. So many venders & events going on.

Angel M.

I had an awesome time at the car show , met some very interesting people .

David B.

Home of the best German Shepherd Guide dogs.